Karachi: More than 150 inmates at Karachi Central Jail have contracted the corona virus, bringing the total to more than 200, including 12 jail officials.

According to details, tests for corona virus are being conducted in Central Jail Karachi in which more than 150 inmates tested positive. One inmate tested positive last week after showing symptoms. All the inmates of the said prisoner's barracks were tested and the scope of testing was further expanded to other barracks. Yesterday, 150 prisoners were diagnosed with the corona virus, bringing the total to more than 200.

Sources said that so far 12 members of the prison staff have also been affected by the epidemic, including an Assistant Superintendent (ASP). Testing of inmates is underway at the Central Jail and so far more than 700 inmates have been tested. Prisoners who test positive have been isolated in prison hospitals and prison quarantine centers.

Earlier, prison authorities banned visitors from meeting at the start of the Corona epidemic and provided them with masks. Additional washbasins have been installed inside the jail and soap and sanitizers have been provided to each inmate while sanitizer gates have also been installed inside the jail.